Prime Minister outlines first Grand Challenge missions

Prime Minister Theresa May has unveiled the first 'missions' of the Industrial Strategy's Grand Challenges in a wide-ranging speech during a visit to Jodrell Bank in Macclesfield this morning.

The four 'Grand Challenges', identified in the Industrial Strategy White Paper, are about embracing and being at the forefront of developing the industries of the future.

The Grand Challenges, which relate to taking advantage of the opportunities of the AI and data revolution; clean growth; the future of mobility, and harnessing the power of innovation to help meet the needs of an ageing society, have the potential to transform lives and industry across the country.

These new missions will help bring them to life – challenging business, academia, civil society and the government to work together to drive us all towards success.

During the speech, the Prime Minister stated the UK is in pole position to grasp and take advantage of the technological revolution that the world is facing.

The first missions, announced today, are:

Use data, artificial intelligence and innovation to transform the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases by 2030;

At least halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030;

Ensure that people can enjoy at least five extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035, whilst narrowing the gap between the experience of the richest and poorest;

Put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, with all new cars and vans effectively zero emission by 2040.

A number of organisations have already come out as advocates for today’s announcement, if you would like to show your support too please visit our Google Drive folder for digital content such as infographics and animations.